Wonder Woman, The Flash – Their Movies Lose Their Writers
by Dru, filed in Comics, Movies on Feb.03, 2007
Joss Whedon (who really needs no introduction at this point) was previously set to write and direct the upcoming Wonder Woman movie. David Goyer (whose recent movie-writing includes Batman Begins) was previously set to write (and potentially direct) the upcoming Flash movie. Now? Both have been de-attached from these two films. The reason – for both of them, it turns out – had to do with the studios having a different vision than them. Ah, non-creative executive types telling successful, proven creative types how to create. DC’s already a couple steps behind in the movie-franchise game, and these kinds of decisions really can’t be helping.
Regardless, new writers and directors have yet to be announced; read on after the jump to see what each of the two writer/directors had to say as they broke the news.
In Goyer’s words, “Well, I’ve been waiting a few months to relate this news — but I am sad to say that my version of The Flash is dead at WB. The God’s honest truth is that WB and myself simply couldn’t agree on what would make for a cool Flash film. I’m quite proud of the screenplay I turned it. I threw my heart into it and I genuinely think it would’ve been the basis of a ground-breaking film. But as of now, the studio is heading off in a completely different direction. I expect you’ll hear of some new developments on that front shortly.
But in happier news, I’ll soon be able to report on what I’ve been doing INSTEAD of The Flash. Stay tuned.”
And in Whedon’s words, “I’m no longer slated to make Wonder Woman. What? But how? My chest… so tight! Okay, stay calm and I’ll explain as best I can. It’s pretty complicated, so bear with me. I had a take on the film that, well, nobody liked. Hey, not that complicated.
Let me stress first that everybody at the studio and Silver Pictures were cool and professional. We just saw different movies, and at the price range this kind of movie hangs in, that’s never gonna work. Non-sympatico. It happens all the time. I don’t think any of us expected it to this time, but it did. Everybody knows how long I was taking, what a struggle that script was, and though I felt good about what I was coming up with, it was never gonna be a simple slam-dunk. I like to think it rolled around the rim a little bit, but others may have differing views.
The worst thing that can happen in this scenario is that the studio just keeps hammering out changes and the writer falls into a horrible limbo of development. These guys had the clarity and grace to skip that part. So I’m a free man.
Well, sorta. There is that “Goners” movie I can finally finish polishing, and plenty of other things in the hopper I’ve wanted to pursue. I’m as relieved as I am disappointed, and both of those things lead to drink, so that’s a plus. Truly, you may be hearing some interesting things brewing in the coming months. But all potential jets therein will be visible.
But most importantly, I never have to answer THAT question again!!!! And you don’t have to link to every rumor site! Finally and forever: I never had an actress picked out, or even a consistant front-runner. I didn’t have time to waste on casting when I was so busy air-balling on the script. (No! Rim! There was rim!) That’s the greatest relief of all. I can do interviews again!“